Houston's hybrid Dump Truck?

[editor]

Tomorrow (July 1, 2008) the mayor will have an event where he'll show off the 500th hybrid vehicle in the city's fleet.

More interesting (at least to me) is that there will also be a hybrid dump truck on display.

And there's going to be more about wind energy in Houston. Maybe some more buildings besides Discovery Tower are getting turbines.

[editor]

Here's the official announcement:

CITY OF HOUSTON RECEIVES ITS 500th HYBRID VEHICLE

The City of Houston has accepted delivery of the 500th hybrid vehicle into

its fleet. The City aims to have 1,500 hybrid vehicles in its fleet by

2010. Currently, the 500 hybrids include 334 Toyota Prius models, 164 Ford

Escapes and 2 Honda Insights.

"Hybrid vehicles are economically and environmentally beneficial," said

Mayor White. "Houston is setting an example by improving air quality, and

making great savings on fuel costs."

The City was awarded a Supplemental Environmental Project Grant in 2001 and

evaluated hybrid vehicle technology with the purchase of two Honda Insights

and two Toyota Prius vehicles. An independent assessment conducted by the

University of Houston determined the Prius hybrid would satisfy City

operational needs and improve fuel economy. In addition, the City received

two diesel-electric hybrid dump trucks that will improve fuel economy by up

to 40% over conventional diesel vehicles.

The City estimates that by driving the 500 hybrid vehicles, it will save

226,000 gallons of fuel annually at a cost of $818,000, based on the current

average unleaded gasoline fuel cost to the City of $3.62 per gallon.

To learn more about these and other green initiatives, visit

www.greenhoustontx.gov

[Montrose1100]

Good. The Energy Capital is setting a fine example.

[jm1fd]

THIS is a good use for hybrid technology....tons and tons and tons of stop & go driving, and tons and tons of mileage every year.